“Ramadan Kareem” – What does it mean for Teachers Internationally?

14 08 2010

Ramadan Kareem

The blessed month of Ramadan has started this week. Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and sexual activities from dawn until sunset. Fasting is intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility, and spirituality.

SeekTeachers™ thought it would give you an insight into this, especially for teachers who are in the Middle East. If you are a teacher working overseas, you already are apt to learning about different cultures and religions and so here are some key points we would like to highlight in this blog about the special holiday season of Ramadan.

The month of Ramadan is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. The others are prayer, charity, performing pilgrimage and testimony of faith. The month of Ramadan marks the period in which the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammed (bpuh).
Muslims are expected to rise to a higher level of spirituality by withstanding the desire to consume food during the hours of daylight. This means no eating, drinking, smoking and other pleasurable activities from sunrise to sunset. Even drinking water is not allowed, or any form of chewing.
The working day is much shorter as Muslims devote their time and sacrifice their desires for God. In some countries the reduced work hours will also be provided to non-Muslims. In the Gulf, many schools would even shut at midday with a rush of children leaving to go home to pray and rest with loved ones. Traffic can be quite hectic during this period so non-Muslim’s should be weary of this. Schools start later and finish earlier, and teachers are not allowed to work in school 15 minutes after the children have left. There will be no school meetings and clubs at the end of the working day.
For non-Muslims this would also mean that out of respect they should refrain from eating and showing public affection in front of Muslims out of respect. In addition they should dress conservatively so that both men and women should not be wearing revealing clothes or clothes which outline the silhouette of their figure.
It is appreciated and respected when non-Muslims say Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem to Muslims
Charity is a big element of Ramadan, where Muslims are expected to donate generously in respect for the poor and needy. It is also done to allow Muslims to appreciate what they have both materialistically an non-materialistically.
The fast begins when sunrises and ends when sun sets. The name given to the start of the fast is Sehri and the end of the fast is called Ifthar, which is broken by eating a date.
During this time Mosques are full for evening prayer providing a community spirit which can take place for a couple of hours. During the time of Ifthar there are many tents erected for both Muslims and non-Muslims to socialise and eat.
For Non-Muslims or expatriates, you may find that you are invited to have dinner with the locals. If the opportunity arises avoid refusing as it would be considered disrespectful. When entering the home of a Muslim, ensure to take off your shoes and eat with your right hand. Again try not to refuse any food offered.
Any form of entertainment be it acquiring alcohol, bars, clubs, hotels will likely be prohibited in areas like the Gulf, although you may find some bars open in the evening. Avoid playing music too loud as well
During this period you will find many that shops are open till quite late and there can be some attractive discounts and bargains available at this time
At the end of Ramadan the celebration of Eid Al Fitr happens, where you will find families getting together for a time of celebration and money is given to children.
Non Muslim teachers can and should make use of their time more effectively during this period, especially when it can feel pretty slow in areas like the Gulf. Ramadan moves backwards 10 days ever year so if Ramadan is at a time like August/September use it wisely to get immersed into the culture and lifestyle, as well as prepare for the term to begin. We all know what its like when the first term kicks in and all goes haywire.